Chapter 13 European Middle Ages, 500–1200

Chapter 13European Middle Ages, 500–1200 Charlemagne unites the Germanic kingdoms, the feudal system emerges, and the Church strongly influences the lives of people in Europe.

Chapter 13 Section 1: Charlemagne Unites Germanic Kingdoms Section 2: Feudalism in Europe Section 3: The Age of Chivalry Section 4: The Power of the Church

Section 1: Charlemagne Unites Germanic Kingdoms In the 5th century the Middle Ages or Medieval period comes about. This is a time where a new society appears in Europe. It was shaped by Roman Heritage, the Catholic Church and Germanic tribes.

Section 1: Charlemagne Unites Germanic Kingdoms There are constant Invasions of Western Europe in 5th Century Here are some Effects of Constant Invasions and Warfare • Eventually, Germanic invaders overrun western Roman Empire in 400s • The constant fighting disrupts trade and government and people abandon cities. • This would mark the beginning of the Middle Ages— period from 500 to 1500 The Decline of Learning • As cities are abandoned the level of learning declines, this is partly because the Germanic people couldn’t read or write • Knowledge of Greek language and culture is almost completely lost. Loss of a Common Language • Introduction of German language changes Latin dialects develop, this shows the continued break up of the once unified empire.

Germanic Kingdoms Emerge Years of Upheaval Between 400 and 600 • Germanic kingdoms replace Roman provinces • Continual wars change borders between kingdoms • During this time the Church provides order and security The Concept of Government Changes • Germans held together by family ties and loyalty to leaders, not government • Small communities are governed by unwritten rules and traditions • Germanic warriors pledge loyalty to their chief only and live in their lord’s hall • It was very difficult to rule a large area

Continued Germanic Kingdoms Emerge Clovis Rules the Franks • Germanic people called Franks hold power in Roman province of Gaul • Clovis, leader of the Franks, converts to Christianity in 496 (his wife told him to). • Leads warriors against other Germanic armies, ask for God’s help. They win and he converts his men to Christianity. The church now backs him. •Clovis then unites Franks into one kingdom with Church’s help by 511

Germans Adopt Christianity How the Church Spread • Frankish rulers convert Germanic peoples to Christianity. • Missionaries travel to convert Germanic and Celtic groups as well. Monasteries, Convents, and Manuscripts • Church builds monasteries—where monks live to study and serve God—as a way to adapt to rural life. •An Italian monk, Benedict, writes rules that govern monastic life. • His sister Scholastica adapts rules for nuns living in convents • Monks establish best schools in the area at the time and are able to preserve learning through libraries.

Continued Germans Adopt Christianity Papal Power Expands Under Gregory I • In 590, Gregory I, also called Gregory the Great, becomes pope • Under Gregory, Church becomes secular—a political power • Pope’s palace becomes center of Roman government • Uses Church money to raise armies, care for poor, negotiate treaties • Establishes a Christendom—churchly kingdom fanning out from Rome

An Empire Evolves Europe’s Kingdoms • The Franks control largest and strongest of Europe’s many kingdoms. • By 511, Frankish rule extends over what is now France Charles Martel Emerges • Most powerful official in kingdom is major domo—mayor of the palace • In 719, major domo Charles Martel becomes more powerful than king: he the leads army and makes policy. • Martel defeats Muslims from Spain at Tours in 732 keeping them from under Muslim control and he becomes a Christian hero • Son, Pepin, begins Carolingian Dynasty— family that ruled 751–987. Gained this power after pope calls him “King by the grace of God”.

Charlemagne Becomes Emperor From Pepin to Charlemagne • Pepin dies in 768, leaves kingdom to two sons; in 771 one son dies • Second son, Charlemagne (Charles the Great) then rules kingdom Charlemagne Extends Frankish Rule • Charlemagne’s armies reunite western Europe and spread Christianity • In 800, Charlemagne travels to Rome to protect Pope Leo III from mobs • Pope crowns Charlemagne emperor after protecting him and gives him title, “Roman Emperor” • Germanic power, Church, heritage of Roman Empire now joined together

Continued Charlemagne Becomes Emperor Charlemagne Leads a Revival • Charlemagne limits nobles’ power by governing through royal agents, they made sure things were done fairly • He also Encourages learning and orders monasteries to open schools. Charlemagne’s Heirs • Charlemagne dies in 814; his son, Louis the Pious, rules poorly. • After he dies, Louis’s three grandsons fight for control of empire • In 843 they divide empire into three kingdoms; sign Treaty of Verdun. Which splits up the power in Western Europe.

Section 2: Feudalism in Europe Feudalism, a political and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances, emerges in Europe.

Section 2: Feudalism in Europe Invaders Attack Western Europe Making Feudalism Stronger The Vikings Invade from the North •One group of invaders are the Warlike Vikings raid Europe from Scandinavia—Denmark, Norway, Sweden • Viking long ships sail in shallow water that allows raids inland • Eventually, many Vikings adopt Christianity and become farmers instead of sailers/raiders Magyars and Muslims Attack from the East and South • Another group that invades western Europe in late 800s are the Magyars (Hungarian nomads) • Also, Muslims strike north from Africa, attacking through Italy and Spain. • Viking, Magyar, Muslim invasions cause widespread disorder, suffering throughout western Europe.

A New Social Order: Feudalism Feudalism Structures Society • In 850 to 950, feudalism emerges—political system based on land control • A lord (landowner) gives fiefs (land grants) in exchange for services • Vassals— people who receive fiefs—become powerful landholders The Feudal Pyramid • Power in feudal system is much like a pyramid, with king at the top. • Kings served by nobles who are served by knights and at bottom are the peasants. • Knights—horsemen—defend their lord’s land in exchange for fiefs.

Continued A New Social Order: Feudalism Social Classes Are Well Defined • Medieval feudal system classifies people into three social groups - those who fight: nobles and knights - those who pray: monks, nuns, leaders of the Church - those who work: peasants • Social class is usually inherited with the majority of people being peasants. • Most peasants are serfs —people lawfully bound to place of birth • Serfs aren’t slaves, but what they produce belongs to their lord.

Manors: The Economic Side of Feudalism The Lord’s Estate • The lord’s estate, a manor, has an economic system (manor system) • Serfs and free peasants maintain the lord’s estate, and give him grain. • The lord provides housing, farmland, protection from bandits for the peasants. A Self-Contained World • Medieval manors include lord’s house, church, workshops, village. • Manors cover a few square miles of land, are largely self-sufficient.

Continued Manors: The Economic Side of Feudalism The Harshness of Manor Life • Peasants pay taxes to use mill and bakery; pay a tithe to the priest. • Tithe— achurch tax—is equal to one-tenth of a peasant’s income • Serfs live in crowded cottages with dirt floors and have straw for beds. • Daily grind includes raising crops and livestock, as well as feeding and clothing their family. • Poor diet, illness, malnutrition make life expectancy of serfs 35 years. • Serfs generally accept their lives as part of God’s plan.

Section 3: The Age of Chivalry The code of chivalry for knights glorifies combat and romantic love.

Section 3: The Age of Chivalry Knights: Warriors on Horseback The Technology of Warfare Changes • Leather saddle and stirrups enable knights to handle heavy weapons • In 700s, mounted knights become most important part of an army The Warrior’s Role in Feudal Society • By 1000s, western Europe is a battleground of warring nobles • Feudal lords raise private armies of knights • Knights rewarded with land which provides income that is needed for weapons. • Knights’ other activities help train them for combat

Knighthood and the Code of Chivalry The Code of Chivalry • By 1100s knights obey code of chivalry—a set of ideals on how to act • They are to protect weak and poor as well as serve their feudal lord, God, and a chosen lady. A Knight’s Training • Boys begin to train for knighthood at age 7; usually knighted at 21. • Knights gain experience in local wars and tournaments —mock battles Brutal Reality of Warfare • The tournaments are no match for actual warfare. • Castles are huge fortresses where lords live • Attacking armies use wide range of strategies and weapons to attack the castle. Defenders used archery and throwing and pouring things from above the walls.

The Literature of Chivalry Epic Poetry • Literature was part of Chivalry as well, Epic poems recount a hero’s deeds and adventures. • The Song of Roland is about Charlemagne’s knights fighting Muslims, and is one of the earliest epic poems from this time. Love Poems and Songs • Knights’ duties to ladies are as important as those to their lords • Troubadours— traveling poet-musicians—write and sing short verses to the ladies of the court • Most celebrated woman of the age is Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204) • Eleanor’s son, Richard the Lion-Hearted, also wrote songs and poems

Women’s Role in Feudal Society Status of Women • According to the Church and feudal society, women are inferior to men Noblewomen • Can inherit land, defend castle, send knights to war on lord’s request • Usually confined to activities of the home or convent Peasant Women • Most labor in home and field, bear children, provide for family • Poor, powerless, do household tasks at young age

Section 4: The Power of the Church Church leaders and political leaders would compete for power and authority.

Section 4: The Power of the Church The Far-Reaching Authority of the Church The Structure of the Church • Power within Church is organized by status and the pope is the supreme authority • Clergy—religious officials—includes bishops, priests, and others all fell under the Pope’s authority. • Bishops supervise priests as well as settle Church disputes Religion as a Unifying Force • Religion was important in Middle Ages, as shared beliefs bonded people together • Clergy administers the sacraments —rites to achieve salvation, like babtism. • Village church is place of worship and celebration

Continued The Far-Reaching Authority of the Church The Law of the Church • The Church has system of justice to guide people’s conduct • All medieval Christians expected to obey canon law —Church law • Canon law governs marriages and religious practices • Popes have power over political leaders through threat of - excommunication—banishment from Church which leads to the denial of salvation - interdiction—king’s subjects denied sacraments and services • Kings and emperors expected to obey pope’s commands

The Church and the Holy Roman Empire Otto I Allies with the Church • Otto I (Otto the Great) is crowned king of Germany in 936 • Limits strength of nobles with help of clergy • Gains support of bishops and abbots (heads of monasteries) • Invades Italy on pope’s behalf and pope crowns him emperor in 962 Signs of Future Conflicts • Otto’s German-Italian lands become Holy Roman Empire • Holy Roman Empire is the strongest European power until about 1100. •The problem comes with Germans being in control of Italians, both nobles and the popes didn’t like that idea.

The Emperor Clashes with the Pope Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII • Pope Gregory VII bans lay investiture —kings appointing Church officials • Henry IV orders pope to resign, so Gregory VIII excommunicates Henry. Showdown at Canossa • Henry goes to Canossa, Italy, to beg Gregory for forgiveness • Gregory forgives Henry, but lay investiture problem is not solved Concordat of Worms • Concordat of Worms is 1122 compromise in Worms, Germany • Compromise: pope appoints bishops, emperor can veto appointment

Disorder in the Empire The Reign of Frederick I • In 1152, Frederick I becomes king and dominates German princes • Disorder breaks out whenever he leaves Germany • Frederick invades Italy, meets defeat at Legnano in 1176 • Empire collapses after Frederick’s death in 1190 German States Remain Separate • German kings after Frederick try to revive empire • German princes, who elect kings, prefer to keep them weak

Chapter 13 European Middle Ages, 500–1200